Instrumented personal exercise during long-duration space flights

Abstract

The present work reports the results of instrumented personal exercise performed in flight by Skylab 3 and 4 crewmen. Inflight cycle ergometer data provide conclusive evidence that man can perform earthbound equivalent maximum levels of physical work while in the zero-G environment. Moreover, SL4 crewmen were able to improve their physical condition during 84 days of space flight relative to launch condition, due to rigorous personal exercise regimens. Biological data measured included oxygen consumption, CO2 production, minute volume, and heart rate.